Monthly Archives: September 2015

More Communication… Director of Social Media will improve student council communication. Photo-by Mr. Webber

Social media is a big thing in our lives right now. It helps us connect to people from around the world, share our ideas and accomplishments, and helps bring people together. So why not combine it with student government? The head of the student government at Forrest M. Bird Charter School has added this new position to the student government. Now what is this position you ask? The Director of Social Media is the title of this newfound role. Why was it added? Well, that’s why I interviewed Holly Walker herself, the woman behind this new position in our school’s student government.

On September 14, 2015, Holly Walker was interviewed about her most recent addition to the student government. The Director of Social media actually was inspired by the events of last year and the events that transpired through student government. According to Ms. Walker, last year there was a photo historian who was responsible for photo documenting everything in the course of the year. A student also created a Facebook and Instagram account which needed constant attention. This inspired the position Director of Social Media. The person in charge of this position must regularly maintain Instagram and Facebook, with the clearance of Hillary DeCecchis. Sending email blasts are another thing in which they must get clearance for. Communication with the tech lab is key part for this person for website updates as well as updates to the reader board in the study lab. Coming up with marketing and media campaigns for all of our school’s events is also a part of this position. Doing all of this, while maintaining a steady supply of pictures.

After getting the interview from Ms. Walker, I went straight to interview the candidates. The first candidate to agree to my interview was Kolton Carroll. Mr. Carroll said that he has been completely informed about the position and still didn’t back out because of all the responsibilities which he has been given. Handling all of these things aren’t something that will shake this candidate from this position. “I’m running because I know this is a position I could handle 100%, and I know the works of most all social media websites. Plus I would love to be a part of this school’s student council.” Unfortunately, since this interview Kolton Carrol has decided to drop out of the race.

The other candidate, Jack Meier, hasn’t responded to any of the requests for an interview. His posters, however, have been causing somewhat of a positive stir with the witty, “You have my sword, but do I have yours?” slogan that has spread throughout the school.

It will be interesting to see what this new position will bring to the school and student body throughout the school year.

The presidential elections are coming up on Friday. We have three candidates: Ellie Mearns, Brandon Michelsen, and Savanna Stierle.

More than a book worm… Ellie Mearns is a presidential hopeful this 2015 election. Photo-by Charles Harrison

Ellie Mearns, presidential candidate, stated, “The president stands for the student body, council, and school. They are the orchestrator, leader, and main communication point of everything they stand for. So personally, I believe that this person has to be organized and well rounded. This year, we have had a lot of good people running, all qualified for that job; it’s super rad.”

Ellie Mearns also stated that she would be happy to debate the dress code with the school board, and that she wishes for school fundraising to be more in the hands of the students. When asked about her motivation to run, she gave this answer:

“I am so motivated for this council. In the past years, they [the student council] have all had their advantages and disadvantages. So, I would really love to combine all of their past advantages. Also, student council is such a great experience; I just wish everyone could be council position of choice … I really hope to make this year the best.”

A man of vision… Brandon Michelsen delivers his vision to the student body. Photo-by Charles Harrison

Candidate Brendon Michelsen gave brief, honest answers. When asked about his motivation for running, he answered “I was motivated to run for president because several of my friends recommended I should. Because of their encouragement, I joined this race.” When asked about fundraising, he answered that he did not have a plan and would address that issue later. He did however give some more specific answers. When asked about his plan for the school, he stated, “My main agenda is to re-organize the way we as a student body communicate our ideas to the council. I hope to make it easier for student’s ideas to reach the ears of the representatives and parties involved in the council.”

Candidate Savannah Stierle has stated that she wished to change dress code, allowing more shirts and reviving hoodies on Fridays. She also said that she would change the lunch program to include more healthy options. For fundraising, she said “…I would like to do fun things such as bake sales, car washes, etc. With these fundraisers, I would like to create bigger and better dances, better supplies for teachers, ect.” She said that she chose to run “Because I feel as if I really hear my fellow students, and I believe I can really make their wants happen.”

Your write-in candidate… Senior Colin Hislop wants to make a difference in the school and brings his previous council experience with him. Photo-by North Idaho College

Presidential Candidate, Colin Hislop, is running as a write-in candidate for president. He is a senior who has served on student council for two consecutive years as a class representative. “I think fundraising is going to be a very important part of the student council’s job, but I would prefer not to release any of my plans until after the election.” He stated that he would not change the lunch program, stating that “changes to the day to day schedules… could cause harm that would outweigh the good,” and that the lunch program was “very solidified.” When asked about his motivation for running, he gave this statement: “My main motivation for running entails the fact that I feel like I would do a good job. I have a lot of past leadership experience, with that I want to help this council grow and benefit the school as a community.”

It is important for everybody to choose a presidential candidate who they believe will represent them, not just the individual person, but also the entire school the best. I invite you to carefully read every response given and make a choice that best suits your beliefs about the school. I also have the complete interview answers; and if requested, I can publish those along with the questions for a more complete picture of the candidates and their stances on the issues. Remember that these are brief summaries of the candidates’ opinions, and I encourage you to walk up to the candidates themselves or talk to them during the Q and A sessions if you want a more detailed answer or have specific questions for the candidates.

Most people don’t realize just how important the treasurer is, a good treasurer is usually behind a successful event. They are in charge of the budget, advising the student council on the spending of money, work with Greta to write sign and deliver checks, do ticket sales, and organize spreadsheets for ticket sales.

So the treasurer has to find a balance in the budget to bring out the full potential of every dollar.

Former President Nolan Stidham states the best qualities in a treasurer is someone who will get their job done without being asked and someone who has skills with making budgets. If the treasurer sits around and waits to be reminded to do something that burdens the president. So a treasurer is someone who stays on task and is on it and is good at giving wise economical advice.

Amanda Berntsen is a senior with experience handling money who hopes to make an impact in her last year, one way she wants to do this is by being your treasurer.

“Let’s make this year fun!” . . . Amanda Berntsen is working hard to get stuff done to allow more time for fun. Photo-by Miranda Paddack

Her slogan “let’s make this year fun!” was created because she wanted to make her last year at Forrest Bird one to remember. She wants to create an experience that will make this year a fun one for everyone. As your treasurer Amanda would like to benefit you by fine tuning the budgets and saving money for the future student council.

Amanda Berntsen already has plenty of experience with money from helping her mom run her retail store. Her job at the store is to make budgets for new items, take inventory, and book keeping. While working at the store she learned just how important her job of making budgets and saving money is. All of these skills will be valuable as a treasurer and will definitely help. Also being treasurer would help Amanda gain experience for in the future when the chases her dream job of being an accountant. “To ask what the importance of being treasurer is like asking what the importance of student council is.” I think that this quote in itself displays her passion and understanding for the position.

Amanda showed good character during our email interviews. She responded as soon as she realized that she got the email. She acted as quickly as possible and apologized for anything that came in later then she would have liked. Also when she responded, I have to note that she used clear, easy to understand sentences that gave me the impression that she was quite professional even before I had even really met her. I can already tell that she puts lots of effort into what she does and takes time to do it right.

The fate of student council is in the air with this years’ election. In the past, we have had council’s run us broke, or double, even triple our money. The Vice President organizes dance committees, collects student suggestions, assists the President, and on occasion covers for the President. Who are this year’s candidates, and what do they want to change in this school?

Orion Syth is running in the election for the position of Vice President. The competition is hot, using cookies and his clever slogan, “We are the voice,” to win over the student body. Will this be enough? “I think that my chances are as good as the other candidates. We all are stuck at an even 3.33 repeating chance. Hopefully with me having that little extra .1 percent!” Orion seems to be content with any outcome but clearly, he wants to be the President’s right-hand man! Improving communication between teachers and the student body are Mr. Syth’s main concern.

Carissa Lonzisero is using no posters or other campaigning techniques; however, she may give a joint speech with Ellie Mearns, who is running for President. Miss Lonzisero and Mr. Syth have very similar ideas on what would improve our school environment. “A change I would like to make is having the student council members work together more than in the past. Another thing I think we should do as a student council is listening more to other student’s suggestions on how we can improve the school and make events more fun so more students come!”

Mirror Mirror on the Wall… Tara Smith willing to work for the student body as VP. Photo-by Miranda Paddack

Our final candidate is Tara Smith, handing out candy as well as hanging posters making this a tough vote for students. However, Miss Smith is not as hopeful as the other candidates, “To be completely honest, I am a little challenged by my competition because the other person(s) have been in the school longer and have more experience.” Confidence is key, Smith has plenty of that, but nerves seem to be in the air. Miss Smith is taking a very different direction on what changes she would like to see. “Changes I would like to try and make this year is to have more activities and events.” With a fall dance on the way, this seems to fall under Smith’s forte.

Many of us have heard about the upcoming student council elections, especially with the impressive number of candidates this year. Many of the candidates are our friends, and if two are running for the same position then it will make a hard decision. Here to help you choose is the interviews of the secretaries; Andrew Van Winkle and Emily Invernon.

Our Next Great Leader?… It’s possible; Andrew Van Winkle is ready to take notes. Photo-by Alistair King

Andrew Van Winkle is in the eleventh grade and was in student council last year. Andrew’s platform is keeping student council organized and keeping detailed notes. He really wants to fix what went wrong with the student council last year he says, “Last year they were just writing the overviews.” He also wants to have the students’ voice be openly heard in student council and wants to find an innovative way to get their voice heard. So far, his campaign strategy has been handing out cookies and candy with the Michelsen-Syth campaign, hanging up a poster, and generally getting his face out there. His greatest strengths for the secretary position is his experience and his intelligence. There is also another candidate that has equal claim, Emily Invernon.

Stretching for Student Council… Emily Invernon promises to be flexible with student council responsibilities. Photo-by Alistair King

Emily Invernon is also in the eleventh grade and is running for the secretary position. She wants to run for this position to “take on some more responsibilities”. She’s not sure where she wants to go with this position, but she wants to make changes that are better for everyone and be the voice of reason for the student council. Her campaign strategy is telling the truth and being honest to the people she talks to. Emily’s greatest strengths for this position is wanting to improve things for everyone, she can keep calm during difficult situations, and has a great understanding of people. But, what do these people think of their opponents?

When asked about their competition, they both had nice things to say about each other. Andrew Van Winkle believes that he has an even chance with his opponent. He also thinks that popularity could be a factor in determining the new secretary. Emily views Andrew as a good friend and only wishes him the best of luck in this upcoming competition.

The secretary position is all about taking meticulous notes during discussions, posting notes daily to the student drive, and work together with the social media director on marketing and publications for events. But what do our candidates think this position entails? Andrew Van Winkle believes the secretary position entails taking notes and making sure they make the right choices. Emily Invernon’s definition of the secretary position is making sure that everyone knows everything that is going on, as well as taking notes.

It’s a scary note filled world out there, we will soon know who has the talent to take it on.